"Starter" Planer - Which one, or Bad Idea?

[John M Wilson]

I'm a relative woodworking noob, and to this point, I have used S4S lumber from one of the Borgs for my projects.

I do not have a planer, and have been saving my money for a high quality combo machine (buy once, cry once).

I had intended for my next project to be a barbecue cart, made out of cedar. The cedar boards at both local Borgs, however, have one rough side. I did manage to smooth one board out using hand planes, but (aside from the time) I realized that I was not going to end up with a consistent thickness among all the boards, and in some cases even within a single board. (Revealing my low level of Neander skills.) I know that having consistent stock prepared in the jointing/planing/cut-to-size method is crucial for getting beyond the handyman stage and earning my woodworking chops.

My conclusion: I need a planer (thicknesser). At the moment, I really don't have the space or the money for the ultimate machine (Hammer A3-31 or equivalent). So, even though I know it's more expensive in the long run, I'm thinking a small lunchbox planer would meet my needs until the dream machine is a reality.

So, here's my question (finally): Since this will be a temporary short-term fix, is the Dewalt 735 worth the extra $$ over the 734? Or should I keep my losses to the minimum, get the 734 and save the extra money for later? Or, is there an option I have overlooked?

I have been checking the local Craigslist, and the lunchbox planers that have been listed are either neglected used-up disasters, or priced within a couple dollars of a new unit, so I'm thinking of buying reconditioned from CPO.

Any opinions will be greatly appreciated...

[Mick Simon]

I can't speak for the 734, but the 735 can serve you very well for a long, long time and have a higher resale when you do get the A3-31. Anytime someone asks about a portable planer the consensus is nearly unanimous for the 735. With either, it's best to invest in good quality cobalt knives since the ones that come on it wear pretty quickly.

[andy bessette]

Find one of the older Delta 13" heavy duty models. Mine produces no snipe.

[Bradley Gray]

Do get a cheaper planer for now. I would look on Craig's list for a used one - you can likely resell it for about what you pay for it

[glenn bradley]

I ran a 734, dad ran a 735. Only real difference I noticed was that he had to change knives about twice as often. The 733 lacks a carriage lock which, in this format I feel is required to avoid snipe. The 735 does not require a carriage lock due to format.

[Andrew Pitonyak]

Never used the 734, I own the 735 with the extra tables.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?75044-Lunch-box-Planer-DW734-vs-DW735

I believe that the 735 has slightly longer blades, which would have been a problem for me just yesterday if they were shorter.

Is the carriage lock mechanism thing an issue with the 734? No idea, because I have the 735.

The 735 does a great job of clearing chips, just saying. I don't think that the 734 has a blower for this. I also think that the 735 makes smaller chips.

If you go with a 735, be sure to get the in-feed and out-feed tables.

I use blades that have carbide tips, they last a lot longer, but cost more. I purchased mine from Holbren. The blades are thicker and do not require the extra blade holder. Well, you can't use the blade holder thing because it makes it too thick. Holbren currently sells them for about $170, but, they last a very long time, at least they do for me.

I don't use the two speeds on the 735, it is in the slower mode and that is how I use it. I think that the 733 has ONLY the faster mode, with fewer cuts per inch.

[Chris Hachet]

Never used the 734, I own the 735 with the extra tables.

http://www.sawmillcreek.org/showthread.php?75044-Lunch-box-Planer-DW734-vs-DW735

I believe that the 735 has slightly longer blades, which would have been a problem for me just yesterday if they were shorter.

Is the carriage lock mechanism thing an issue with the 734? No idea, because I have the 735.

The 735 does a great job of clearing chips, just saying. I don't think that the 734 has a blower for this. I also think that the 735 makes smaller chips.

If you go with a 735, be sure to get the in-feed and out-feed tables.

I use blades that have carbide tips, they last a lot longer, but cost more. I purchased mine from Holbren. The blades are thicker and do not require the extra blade holder. Well, you can't use the blade holder thing because it makes it too thick. Holbren currently sells them for about $170, but, they last a very long time, at least they do for me.

I don't use the two speeds on the 735, it is in the slower mode and that is how I use it. I think that the 733 has ONLY the faster mode, with fewer cuts per inch.His 735 planed a bunch of 12/4 oak for a work bench i was building without incident. It made a believer out of me.

[Greg Waits]

I have the 734 and have been happy, I picked mine up in a pawn shop for 225.00 and it looked like brand new, the blades had never been flipped over so after I flipped them it was like brand new. and I have been very happy with it, I know the 735 is a 13" with 2 speed and mine is a 12 1/2 with only 1 speed, but it does clear the chips just fine and I think it does have a blower in it My vac hose came off in the middle of a board and it blew chips all across my shop. and for what it is it does a great job,

[Matt Day]

The 734 is a great little machine. Had one for about a decade.

[John McClanahan]

I have a 735 and would recommend it. It has 3 knives and 2 speeds. Many lunchbox planers are 1 speed and 2 knives.

[Jacob Mac]

Either one could last you for a very long time.

[andy bessette]

Do get a cheaper planer for now...

I really don't understand this approach, buying 2 planers.

This is identical to the one I have. Perhaps the seller would be open to a reasonable offer.
https://nashville.craigslist.org/tls/d/13-delta-planer/6306987768.html

[Phil Mueller]

I have the 734. It's the only planer I've owned. Been very happy with it. I typically hand plane one surface true, and then run it through the 734 to true the other side, and thickness. For the situation you describe (limited space, budget, and truing up borg stock), I think the 734 would serve you well.

[glenn bradley]

I guess I should have mentioned that the 735 is 13" and the 734 is 12-1/2". Both are three knifed machines. As to floor machines, lunchbox planers are finish planers and this is what a lot of hobbyists may be after. Some floor machines run serrated steel feed rollers and while this is great for planing really rough stuff, many floor planer owners have posted about retrofitting rubber feed rollers for their machines. I just backed the tension way off on mine and the problem of the serrated rollers leaving marks is rare now. My point is that these are machines with a slightly different targeted use, not just large and small version of the same thing.

Don't get me wrong, I love my 15" floor machine and would recommend one to anyone. My 734 went to a pro shop with a couple of large floor machines and one DW-734 of their own. They wanted a spare 734 since they used it so much more than the larger machines. They didn't want to be without one if their current one got worked to death.

[John M Wilson]

I really don't understand this approach, buying 2 planers.

I agree it's not the most efficient way... but:

1) I don't have a dedicated shop (yet) -- I'm working out of my garage that I use to park cars, so I have to put away my toys when I'm done playing. :)

2) I'm not wired for 240 volts (yet) -- which knocks out most of the old arn worth having, including the planer in the link.

3) I know I probably should be patient, and do things in the right order, but that seems to entail quite of bit of shop building before I get to woodworking building.

I don't want to waste money on something foolish, but it does seem that having correctly dimensioned lumber is fundamental to any project.

I know many others have faced similar circumstances, and appreciate the vast amount of experience and knowledge on the 'creek. Obviously, there are many paths, and I'm struggling to find mine, so I'm considering any and all comments. Thanks to all...

[andy bessette]

You're going to need 220 in your shop. If your main electrical panel is not far from the shop/garage it should be easy to run a 220 extension cord. My mill and planer run on a 25' cord.

[Nick Decker]

Andy,

I don't see how you can say that he's going to need 220 without knowing what he plans to do. I'm a renter and 220 isn't an option, yet I seem to get by just fine.

[andy bessette]

...have been saving my money for a high quality combo machine...this will be a temporary short-term fix...


Andy, I don't see how you can say that he's going to need 220 without knowing what he plans to do. I'm a renter and 220 isn't an option, yet I seem to get by just fine.

Though you seem to have missed it, the OP was pretty clear about saving his $ for a quality machine, and asking about a short-term fix. Having been a woodworker for many decades I know that many quality machines require 220-volts. It is just fine with me that you get by without 220. I did when I first started out. But most of us will find ourselves needing it sooner or later. It isn't that hard. Even girls do it. :)

[Bill Dufour]

I have a old parks 12 planer and they can be found around. BTY The article about adjusting your planer from FWW is a parks 12". Make sure any planer you do buy can open deep enough to thickness the wood you will need. Is 4" enough or do you need 6"? for the occasional 6x6"

[Bill Dufour]

When I was adding tools to the shop I looked every time I went to HD or Lowes at their wire Remanent rack. I was able to buy #8 or #10 cord for a good price. Nothing more then ten feet or so. But nice to make extension cords, power cords, switch gear wiring to motors etc where you only need 18" or so.
They often had 4 conductor cord for cheap(relative) that they do not even carry or order?
Shortly after buying our current house I bought a good size coil of unisulated solid ground wire #12 or #10. it works great to tie plants up.
Bill

[Keith Westfall]

What do you have now? Oh, right - nothing. So anything will be better than that. I found a good deal years ago, on a Riged lunch box, and like you, it was/will be a hundred times better than what you have now.

Is bigger and better better? Of course it is, but only if you can afford it and you need it. Maybe someday you will, but do you go without until then?

Maybe after you have it for awhile and use it a lot, and/or get a chance to use someone else's you might want a different one. Buy what you can, use it and learn, and then upgrade. You won't really be disappointed, because you have nothing to compare it with. Except to your hand plane, and it will be better than that.

[Mike Kees]

John, I have a 734. It is not my main planer but is a great portable that is far better than the older delta portable planer I first owned. I use it for finish planing at the shop or onsite at renovation-finishing jobs. Would recommend it highly ,bought mine used for 250. AS others have said buy it now and use it then sell when you move up. Good luck with your search, Mike.

[Marc Jeske]

At quick glance, the 735 is $600 at cpo, maybe new, looked quickly.
I have not used either, but for the basically same price, definately go w the Craigslist offered above, and run some temp cord.


I've gotta believe that even though that is a newer ?non USA ?, still gotta be better.


At least I would research it first. Marc


Marc

[Keith Weber]

John,

I agree with Bradley about buying a used one to fit your needs for the near future. When I started out, I bought new imports. I eventually outgrew them and wanted higher quality. With anything bought new (especially lower-quality stuff), you will take a hit on the resale price when you eventually sell it. As Bradley said, if you buy a used one, you can likely sell it in the future for what you paid for it.

Be careful about labeling any machine as the "ultimate" machine. Something you view now as the ultimate machine may not necessarily be your ultimate machine once you progress in your new hobby. There is always something better out there. The combo machines that you mentioned seem great at first, but if your hobby gets more serious, they can have limitations. I, personally, hate multi-use machines. They're great for small spaces and projects without time constraints, but if you have to go back and forth between operations, you waste a lot of time changing the machine back and forth and can lose settings in doing so. Plus, you never know where life will take you. I'm building my third shop now, and not sure that it'll be the last one.

As a teen, I used to want a Shopsmith so bad because I perceived them as one machine that could do anything. I could never afford one at the time. Now, I wouldn't take one if somebody offered to give one to me. There's always better machines out there.

Try to buy what you need now (used if you want to save money), and see where the journey takes you. I've seen guys spend a lot of money on things, only to lose interest in their hobby fairly quickly, or have to buy again once they figured out what they really wanted.

[Michelle Rich]

yes girls do it. I built,& wired my own shop & and bought all my own tools. I built my own house and wired it. I made all my furniture. Girls are good but Women do it even better.

[Chris Hachet]

yes girls do it. I built,& wired my own shop & and bought all my own tools. I built my own house and wired it. I made all my furniture. Girls are good but Women do it even better.This is priceless, thank you for this response.

[Chris Hachet]

What do you have now? Oh, right - nothing. So anything will be better than that. I found a good deal years ago, on a Riged lunch box, and like you, it was/will be a hundred times better than what you have now.

Is bigger and better better? Of course it is, but only if you can afford it and you need it. Maybe someday you will, but do you go without until then?

Maybe after you have it for awhile and use it a lot, and/or get a chance to use someone else's you might want a different one. Buy what you can, use it and learn, and then upgrade. You won't really be disappointed, because you have nothing to compare it with. Except to your hand plane, and it will be better than that.One thing about a smaller lighter planer is that you can take it places easily. this can come in handy for all sorts of things.

[Chris Hachet]

I have a 735 and would recommend it. It has 3 knives and 2 speeds. Many lunchbox planers are 1 speed and 2 knives.Several commercial shops here in Columbus that buy a good bit of pre finished lumber also use this, and have for years. There is no shame at all in the DW 735.

[michael langman]

I bought a used Dewalt 734 planer on craigslist that was only used once or twice for 225.00. Being my first planer, except for using a bigger planer in shop class in high school, I can say it will probably be my only planer to own. Does everything I throw at it, including my workbench tops, 3 1/2" thick by 12" wide by 71/2 feet long.

[Jay Larson]

I have the 734, and I like it. Is it the one I would like to have? No, but I have it and I use it. A lot.

It paid for itself with the first job I did. Fiancee decided halfway through finishing our house that she wanted hardwood steps. So I priced pre-made treads from the store. And rough maple from the lumber yard. Ended up making the treads for 2/3 the cost of finished treads, including the price of the planer. (And better looking, too.)

If you are buying your lumber milled from the borg, find a lumber yard, get rough cut lumber, and mill it to the size you need. It will pay for itself easily. Plus, you quit thinking in multiples of 3/4"

BTW, I am still on the fist side of the first set of knives.

[Matt Day]

This is priceless, thank you for this response.

Yes, thank you Michelle.

The comment that “even girls do it” wasn’t necessary. Not surprising given where it came from.

[BrianD King]

Any way to borrow one for now? What you might find is that having a planer will make you realize that you don't have a jointer, which will cause you to part with even more money. They are really two peas in a pod. Planers work best when you have already face jointed one side of the lumber, so that you can run that flat side along the bottom while the planer works on the rough top, making it nice and parallel to the bottom. Especially if you have cup, bow or twist in the lumber, running it through the planer without jointing a face first will only accentuate the cup, bow or twist. "Skip planing" can work great if you start with reasonably straight stock. But often it's an exercise in frustration.

Over the years I have gone deep into cooking and photography before getting into woodworking. Except for car racing and maybe a few other things, it's hard to imagine a hobby that can cost more than woodworking!

[John M Wilson]

What you might find is that having a planer will make you realize that you don't have a jointer...

Yeah, I can see your point.

I've been using a set-up on my router table to joint smaller pieces, and have downloaded plans for a jig for my table saw for larger stock. I've also seen that a planer sled can be used to face joint in some instances, which leads me to think that a planer would be a good next step.

To clarify an earlier statement, what I meant by "short-term" was months/years rather than days/weeks.

At this point, I'm leaning toward the Dewalt 734, but I'm going to take my time on this decision, carefully consider all of the helpful input I have received, and not just rush off in a full-blown tool acquisition panic.

[Marc Jeske]

"full-blown tool acquisition panic."

Yup, I know what that's like.

I'm buying 3 old Rockwell 34-010 miter boxes for dedicated purposes in just this week.

Gotta love that Search Tempest site.

Marc

[BrianD King]

I've been using a set-up on my router table to joint smaller pieces, and have downloaded plans for a jig for my table saw for larger stock. I've also seen that a planer sled can be used to face joint in some instances, which leads me to think that a planer would be a good next step.

I never could get a good edge on longer stock using the router table jointing method. Drove me nuts and led to a $600 Ridgid jointer. I've also made a couple jointer jigs for the table saw. Maybe I suck at making great jigs, but my results have been inconsistent with them (especially on longer stock). Haven't tried to planer sled method, but I've seen many videos on it. Seems like a good approach, but you still need those nicely jointed edges for glue ups...

The 734 will serve you well. I have the 735 and it's a beast. Dust collection is amazing compared to Ridgid and Delta planers I've used. Good luck!

[phil harold]

i have an old delta that is great but newer ones get bad reviews
i have used general, dewalt, and rigid
the dewalt was nice but 600 bucks no thank you
get a rigid
and buy a bigger planer for later

[andy bessette]

Yes, thank you Michelle.

The comment that “even girls do it” wasn’t necessary. Not surprising given where it came from.

Unnecessary comment.

[John K Jordan]

John,

FWIW, an inexpensive planer makes sense to me.

My experience: I have a sawmill and plenty of air-dried rough sawn hardwood. I am primarily interested in woodturning and while I don't do a lot of furniture I do occasionally need surfaced boards. I bought a lunchbox planer a bunch of years ago when I had a little 16x16' hobby shop and used it in my tiny garage shop later. The great thing for me with limited space was I could keep it on a shelf and get it out when needed. I usually carried it outside and made piles of chips there instead of in the shop.

I had no jointer but my little table saw and hand plane or router did what I needed.

Although I have a much larger shop now with good tools (cabinet saw, 8" jointer, drum sander, etc.) that see occasional use, the lunchbox planer is still works for me. If I ever shift focus from woodturning to finely crafted flat wood then yes, I might give away the lunchbox and buy a heavy duty stationary planer. (especially [gasp] if I wanted to build to sell. Horrors.) But for now, the lunchbox still works for me - it makes boards flat and I still carry it outside to make cleanup easier. Hey, sudden thought, maybe I could set it up in the barn and make the chips directly in the horse stall!

PS. Forgot to mention: when remodeling my last house I had a need for a bunch of milled oak for door casings, baseboards, window framing, etc. I got all this milled at a local commercial lumber supplier. This was less expensive than I imagined, zero work and cleanup for me, one-day turnaround, and the results were perfect. Your own portable planer would be more practical for small projects, but perhaps that might be an option on occasion.

JKJ





What you might find is that having a planer will make you realize that you don't have a jointer...

Yeah, I can see your point.

I've been using a set-up on my router table to joint smaller pieces, and have downloaded plans for a jig for my table saw for larger stock. I've also seen that a planer sled can be used to face joint in some instances, which leads me to think that a planer would be a good next step.

To clarify an earlier statement, what I meant by "short-term" was months/years rather than days/weeks.

At this point, I'm leaning toward the Dewalt 734, but I'm going to take my time on this decision, carefully consider all of the helpful input I have received, and not just rush off in a full-blown tool acquisition panic.

[Thomas L Carpenter]

I never considered my lunch box planers as starter machines. They do what I want as a hobbyist and that's that. I suppose if my needs were different I might consider one of the larger planers but for me it would be a waste of money and a space waster. My 734 has worked well for me for that last 4 or 5 years and before that a Delta that lasted at least 10 years.

[Rollie Kelly]

John, you are welcome have a look around my shop and discuss ideas. I'm in Thompsons Station. If interested, I'll give you my phone #.
Rollie

[Steve Demuth]

Yes, thank you Michelle.

The comment that “even girls do it” wasn’t necessary.

My sentiments exactly.

[Mike Kees]

John, what did you do ? Please make a decision or the rest of us will continue this thread for weeks...:)

[Bill Dindner]

I have the Dewalt 735, it's a great machine, I keep it on top of a rolling tool cabinet against the wall. I just pull out the cabinet whenever I need to use it.

Iv'e made a few upgrades though. First I put on the Wixey DRO, the scale that comes with the planer is pretty much useless. Also, the knives dull and nick very quickly, no issue if you are fine with tons of sanding/ hand planing, but I think the Shelix cutter heads are worthwhile.

I am into the planer for about $1100 now, and I would get the same unit again just because of space considerations. Haven't tried the 734, so I cant compare. There are many planers of very nice quality between lunch-boxes and a Hammer, If I had the space I would have a 20'' Grizzly with a Helical head, It's a good sweet spot between capacity and cost, or even better Idea would be the 15'' Grizzly with a Helical head, and an open end drum sander like the Supermax 1938 would still be a better option than a Hammer (at least for a hobbyist).

[John M Wilson]

John, what did you do ? Please make a decision or the rest of us will continue this thread for weeks...:)


Hahaha!

Well, I'm leaning pretty heavily toward the Dewalt 734... I've checked on line, and the cheapest at the moment seems to be a reconditioned unit from CPO Tools.

I've also been checking the local Craigslist, just in case something relevant pops up.

I may not pull the trigger for a couple of weeks, but I do appreciate everyone's input, insight, and wisdom.

[Garth Almgren]

You might get lucky - I got my 735 from a pawn shop for $250 plus tax, and it's been an awesome little machine. Good deals are out there if you keep your eyes peeled.

[Art Mann]

My "starter" planer was a Ridgid TP1300. It wound up lasting me 10 years and did everything I wanted it to. I now have a Jet JJP12-HH inch combo machine. I bought it mainly because I needed a 12 inch jointer. The Jet planer is very fast compared to the Rigid and it will accommodate bigger stock. However, it doesn't do quite as well for finish or precision thicknessing as the Ridgid. I regret selling the TP1300, even after 10 years of use. By all accounts, the Dewalt is a better machine, but I don't know what it will do that the TP1300 wouldn't. Unfortunately, Ridgid doesn't make this model anymore.

[Rick Alexander]

I've got a very old Parks (early 70's vintage) 12 inch that my dad had (he passed this past Jan). Needs some tender loving care but it actually was used very little. I live in Atlanta if you're interested.

[Curt Harms]

Yes, thank you Michelle.

The comment that “even girls do it” wasn’t necessary. Not surprising given where it came from.

I was waiting for Julie Moriarity(sp?) to check in on this. If I recall correctly when it comes to volts, amps and "even girls can do it" she'd win ...... by a LOT.